06/10/2025
🚨 BREAKING: The Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) Breaks New Ground - First-Ever Professional Jiu-Jitsu League to Sell a Franchise Team!
The PGF has finalized a 7-figure sale of its first franchise team, “The New Hope Kings,” acquired by New Hope Regeneration. This landmark transaction marks the PGF’s formal entry into the pro sports franchise model, mirroring league systems like the NFL, NBA, and Formula 1.
“We are beyond excited, and it is a dream come true to participate in professional sports history by partnering with PGF, and purchasing the world’s first professional Jiu-Jitsu franchise team,” said Kevin Lucas of New Hope Regeneration.
“This league has all the right structural pillars of a major sport: elite athletes, team rivalries, a full-season format. For future team owners, this isn’t just a lucrative investment in the fastest-growing combat sport, but a chance to be part of building the next great league from the ground up,” said Zoltan Bathory, PGF co-owner and Five Finger Death Punch founder.
“We’re building a league, a structure that gives athletes real careers and fans a true sport to follow. I’m proud to carry my family’s legacy forward by helping bring Jiu-Jitsu to its next level: The professional era,” said Heather Grace Gracie, PGF co-owner.
Season 8 debuts June 25th with the PGF Draft, weekly matches begin July 23rd, championship September 10th.
“This is more than a milestone. It’s proof of concept. This sale signals that the PGF model is not only working—it’s investable, it’s scalable, and it’s got the potential to change how the world views Jiu-Jitsu,” said Brandon McCaghren, PGF Founder and Commissioner.
A new era begins. 🥋
